Three Year Wait Is Over

The 2012 plant swap peony has finally bloomed today. It was the only peony (Paeonia lactiflora), and I got it. Its owner did not remember its color or variety.

In its third year now, the thing sent out several stalks this spring, and there was hope in the air. One of the stalks had three buds, and the first opened to a deep magenta, double-ruffled flower. There is a nice fragrance. We had a violent rain downpour last night, and it survived without incident.

It was planted in the side garden bed, the newest and therefore the one with the poorest soil. I placed a wire support disc as it grew, just in case it needed one, and it grew through. Rather tall at about 40-inches high (1 meter), the bloom is normal sized. It might be tall or lanky because it gets morning and afternoon sun, but is in shade around midday. Full sun is what I believe they need.

I don't have the heart to cut and bring indoors to enjoy it.

May 2015 Bloom Day

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day
What's blooming in the garden on the 15th of the month

Projects (including working in the garden,) have been taking time away from blogging this spring.

Nothing much on this bloom day, my 16th since blogging. Bearded iris galore, but you've seen them last year. May is a dead time in my garden before most impressive perennials get going and after the spring bulbs. So I tried for some smaller closeups, but need to get a new camera - this pocket Cannon Elph I used for all my photos over the past 12 years is beginning to show age with less and less clarity.

Kalmia latifolia 'Sarah' is "one of the reddest mountain laurels" according to the catalog.
This is one of the first plants I bought years ago after moving into my house.

Iris hollandica 'Discovery'. I divided one clump last fall into three this spring.
They are not as impressive (spread apart), but maybe next year...

Add unknown geranium sanguineum. Spreads like crazy, blooming intermittently throughout summer.

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's variety'

Camassia leichtlinii never takes a bad picture

Couldn't resist adding an annual I really like this year - petunia 'Phantom'

For other garden bloggers' bloom day photos, spring over to the blog May Dreams Gardens.